Catalytic oxidation of Benzene with manganese oxide supported on Cordierite

Abstract

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are one of the principal causes of air pollution, posing a grave danger to the environment and human health due to their toxicity. In the presence of heat or light, catalytic oxidation has been recognized as a viable and efficient approach for VOCs remediation. Manganese-based oxides are one of the most environmentally benign and cost-effective choices for the catalytic destruction of volatile organic compounds in thermocatalysis. That is the reason why this article focused on catalytic oxidation to control benzene (a VOCs component). The wet impregnation process was used to produce manganese oxide supported on cordierites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer mapping (EDS mapping), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Hydrogen Temperature-programmed reduction (TPR-H2) were used to characterize the catalysts. When using the TCD-FID detector, catalytic activity measurements were done on a micro-flow reactor system coupled online to GC. The results showed that MnO₂-Cor potential catalyst for completely oxidizing benzene with a 100% benzene conversion temperature of 350 ^oC to CO₂ and H₂O. This catalyst provides high thermal stability and good reusability due to being carried on cordierite.